Bowlers starred as New Zealand defeated South Africa quite convincingly by eight wickets in the third T20I in Auckland on 20 March. With this victory, New Zealand have gained a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Chasing just 137 to win, New Zealand got past the finish line in just 16.2 overs. Lockie Ferguson was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant four-over spell, where he conceded just nine runs while taking one wicket. Lockie Ferguson special restricts SA to 136/9 The New Zealand bowlers justified captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bowl first. South Africa kept losing wickets and never really got any momentum. Ferguson struck in his first over, removing Wiaan Mulder for a duck. And although it was the only wicket he took in the match, the right-arm pacer did not concede any more than nine runs in his four overs. Kyle Jamieson (2/42), captain Mitchell Santner (2/21) and Ben Sears (2/27) took two wickets each while Cole McConchie (1/14) and James Neesham (1/22) were the other wicket-takers. Also read: BCCI to monitor 20 players during IPL for ODI WC: Apex board clarifies chief selector Ajit Agarkar hasn’t asked for extension Tom Latham steers New Zealand to victory Defending 137 was always going to be tough and South Africa needed to take early wickets in a bid to put the New Zealand batters under pressure. But the experienced pair of Devon Conway (39) and Tom Latham (63*) ensured that there were no hiccups up front. The two left-handers stitched a 96-run opening partnership which put the result beyond doubt. For South Africa, Lutho Sipamla (1/26) and Keshav Maharaj (1/30) were the other wicket-takers. Post navigation Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni hold successful captaincy records:10 Indians to lead in IPL for first time; 6 captains eye maiden trophy
